Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju on Tuesday reiterated that ensuring accessible and improved healthcare services for city residents—particularly low-income communities—remains his foremost priority.
“Healthcare is extremely important to us. We will extend further support to all health centres and hospitals under the City Corporation so that they can function more effectively,” he said.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting Lal Hospital in the Khalishpur industrial area of the city in the morning.
KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Secretary Ariful Islam, and Chief Engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan, among others, were present during the visit.
Describing Lal Hospital as a vital healthcare facility in the Khalishpur industrial belt, the KCC administrator said the hospital currently treats around 100 to 150 patients daily despite facing limitations in manpower and resources.
He said he spoke with patients and healthcare workers to assess the additional support required for industrial workers and to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services.
“We will provide necessary support according to their needs and have plans to expand the facility in the future,” he added, noting that the hospital provides free treatment and medicines.
Manju said the hospital is facing a shortage of doctors following the transfer of its previous physician. He said the issue would be discussed with the Civil Surgeon to arrange an alternative doctor on an emergency basis, while steps would also be taken to appoint a permanent physician. The government would be approached to address overall manpower shortages, he added.
Regarding mosquito control measures, the KCC administrator said allegations of irregularities in procuring mosquito repellents would be investigated to ensure the supply of effective and quality products.
He further said that ahead of the upcoming dengue and chikungunya season, drains, canals, and waterlogged areas across the city would be cleaned to eliminate breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes.
Urging citizens to cooperate, he called on residents to keep their surroundings clean to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
